Who We Are

betterArts is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to the arts throughout the Thousand Islands Region and beyond through the provision of workshops, residencies, studio and gallery space, radio broadcasting (locally and online), performances, and events.

Our purpose is to make the arts available to all. betterArts affords people the opportunity to discover and develop their creative and artistic spirit against a backdrop of working with land stewardship and sustainable agriculture. betterArts is committed to fostering individual and collaborative creative expression for the enjoyment and education of the people of Redwood, the region, and beyond.

betterArts operates out of its location at Better Farm, a sustainability campus in Redwood, N.Y. The organization is also home to an on-site, LPFM radio station (Better Radio, 88.5 FM WAIB), offering 24/7 programming locally and via live stream.

WHAT WE DO

betterArts exists as a focal point for the local art community, helping to rejuvenate Redwood and outlying towns in a number of ways:

  • By bringing neighbors together through quality programming, helping to alleviate cultural and social isolation

  • Drawing visitors to the North Country from across the country and world

  • Using art to educate, inspire, and facilitate environmental awareness

  • Stimulating the creative process, providing opportunities for each resident and community member to foster his or her own creativity through the artists-in-residency program and classes

  • Being rooted in the local community, participating in and structuring local events, and offering free and low-cost workshops and studio space to the general public

  • Stimulating the creative spirit with public events, festivals, art installations, and concerts

betterArts utilizes housing, studio, gallery and performance space on the Better Farm campus in Redwood, NY.

betterArts rents space on Better Farm's property; including housing for artists in self-contained cottages, private rooms within the farm's main house, and a 1,400-square-foot Art Barn featuring a first-floor gallery space and second-floor studio. A second-story deck is used as an outdoor stage for summer concerts, with ample seating available in a natural amphitheater behind the barn.

available equipment

  • Arts 'n' crafts supplies (various) including items such as mat board, construction paper, collage materials, glues, scissors, glue guns

  • Textiles: Industrial and basic sewing machines, threads, scrap fabric

  • Knitting materials (needles, darners, drop spindle)

  • Pottery: Electric kiln, kick wheel

  • Welding: Anvil

  • Music: Recording studio, radio station, PA system, amps, drum set, pianos, keyboards, guitars, shakers, harmonicas, ukelele, electric guitar, acoustic guitar

  • Wood working: Power tools, sanders, wood scraps, varnishes, paints, various screws, nails, dowels, etc., fully stocked tool shed

  • New media: Media center and radio station

  • Dance/theater: Open floor plan in studio space, multiple barns with wide berths for dancing and movement